In Julian Bell's text "Images and Marks", Plato expressed his view on painters and the way they present reality, calling art mimesis, which means imitating the appearance of things. He further argued dismissively that "art is a form of play, not to be taken seriously" because each person perceives the world differently based on their personal beliefs, prejudices or cultural background. However, Aristotle, a student of Plato, emphasized that images can represent real objects in the world and serve as useful tools for understanding reality. He also emphasized their value in the process of development and learning.

 
2. Now, using an image of your choice, answer the following question:
In your opinion, are images a reliable source of information?

In my opinion, paintings cannot be a reliable source of information because they often represent the subjective reality of the artist, not the objective truth. An example is the painting "The last supper" by Leonardo Da Vinci, which depicts an event that took place 1,500 years before it was painted. It is obvious that the author was not a witness to the painted scene, so he presented it as a reflection of a personal and unique perspective. In addition, from the viewer's point of view, one person's interpretation of an image may be very different from another person's, which may affect a reliable and objective understanding of the image.

Reference:

Bell, J.,2017. “Images and Marks”. In: J. Bell, ed., What is Painting. London: Thames & Hudson, pp8-13

In Chinese art, calligraphy and painting are interconnected because together they create China's rich artistic tradition and history. The relationship between calligraphy and painting seems to consist mainly in the common use of brush and ink, where calligraphy is the art of beautiful and expressive writing and painting is about creating images that reflect the essence of the object. Both forms often work together in one image. Written elements are used to emphasize the meaning or context of the painted work, as well as personal confessions of the artist or tribute to the artist by his successors.

2. In this essay, Calligraphy, Poetry and Painting are described as the
   ‘three perfections’, all coming together in Chinese Art.
   • Choose one image/painting from this essay, and choose a
   modern/contemporary piece of work (of your choice).
   • Explain and describe how both works combine Calligraphy, Poetry
   and Painting to make an ‘artwork’. (Experiment with your idea!)

To explain how the "three perfections" come together to create one work of art, I chose Night-Shining White by Han Gan and the work "Paradox" by Suzi Nassif. In both selected works, different media were used for painting: ink on paper by Han Gan and acrylic paints with silver elements by Suzi. In both works, the artists rejected the use of colours to focus on capturing the beauty and spirit of the painted object. Together with the unique and expressive use of the brush, it is a kind of mastery that comes from the art of calligraphy. When it comes to poetry in the context of a painted work, it can also be perceived through what and how the artist wanted to convey to us through the painted work. What story does it tell us when we look at it and what feelings does it evoke in us.

Leonardo da Vinci was an extraordinary Italian artist and politician who lived from 1452 to 1519. The text "The Life of Leonardo da Vinci" by Giorgio Vasari describes his life and illustrious career. Leonardo, who was born in Vinci, showed great talent and curiosity about the world from an early age. He learned from the famous artist Andrea del Verrocchio and quickly surpassed him in skill. His great curiosity allowed him to delve into various fields, including painting, sculpture, architecture, engineering, anatomy and botany. His masterpieces, such as the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper, continue to captivate audiences from all over the world.

2. Think back to the “scholar-officials-amateurs” and the “professional
painters” from the previous week (Week 3). Would you describe Da Vinci as a scholar-amateur, or a professional painter? Why?

I think that Leonardo da Vinci can be described as both an amateur scientist and a professional painter. Although he never received formal training in art, his commitment to learning and exploration allowed him to gain a deep understanding of a variety of topics. Through his scientific approach, he incorporated scientific principles and keen observation into his works. His professional status as a painter cannot be questioned either. Leonardo received orders from powerful and wealthy clients, and his artistic skills were highly valued during his life. His masterpieces demonstrate his professional competence and cement his reputation as one of the greatest painters in history.

Allison Katz's compositions deviate from traditional notions of balance and symmetry, embracing asymmetry and dynamic arrangements. Instead of seeking the perfect balance, Katz's work often features unexpected juxtapositions. This approach adds energy and tension to her compositions, challenging conventional ideas of harmony and encouraging viewers to interact with the artwork in a more dynamic and thought-provoking way.

This is a very difficult and extensive topic to discuss and describe. It seems that images can be a source of information from which we can learn a lot about history, culture, society and scientific or technological inventions. It is certainly a tedious process of studying each image individually, but it is certainly very useful. For example, from Vermeer's "View of Delphi" we can extract information about the time in which it was created, where a specific date may suggest the era, lifestyle of the people, and something about the architecture immortalized in the painting, and deduce the technology used, such as the camera obscura. I am I also believe that most of this information can be obtained not from the painting itself, but from the knowledge about the artist who created it. His life, where he lived, in what years he created, is probably a more reliable and broader view of what we can read from his work. paintings. Also looking at Vermeer's work "Girl reading a letter at an open window", on the one hand we have access to information about what has happened to the painting over the years, how it has been changed, but through these changes the credibility of the painting and the information contained may be disturbed.

Response
• A Homage - is a show or demonstration of respect or dedication to someone or
something, sometimes by simple declaration but often by some more oblique reference,
artistic or poetic. The term is often used in the arts for where one author or artist shows
respect to another by allusion or imitation.

Above, a very interesting history of playing cards worth reading.

Reference:

PlayingCardDecks.com. 2023. The History of Playing Cards: The Evolution of the Modern Deck – PlayingCardDecks.com. [ONLINE] Available at: https://playingcarddecks.com/blogs/all-in/history-playing-cards-modern-deck. [Accessed 11 December 2023].

In his print artworks, Wiszniewski showcases a unique blend of traditional and modern techniques. His prints often feature bold, expressive lines and vibrant colors, demonstrating a dynamic interplay between form and content. The artist's mastery of printmaking techniques, such as etching and lithography, is evident in the intricate details and textures present in his works.

One of Wiszniewski's notable contributions to the printmaking world is his ability to convey complex narratives through visually striking compositions. His imagery often explores themes of identity, mythology, and human relationships. The artist's prints are characterized by a poetic and symbolic quality, inviting viewers to delve into the layers of meaning embedded in each piece.

Throughout his career, Wiszniewski has exhibited widely, both nationally and internationally, earning acclaim for his innovative approach to printmaking. His works continue to be celebrated for their fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary concepts, making Adrian Wiszniewski a significant and influential figure in the realm of print art.

Reference:

Image:

Stations of the Cross X. (2000). [Linocut 61 X 49 Cm 24 1/8 X 19 1/4 in Edition of 30] shop.glasgowprintstudio.co.uk. Available at: https://shop.glasgowprintstudio.co.uk/artists/36-adrian-wiszniewski/works/7385-adrian-wiszniewski-stations-of-the-cross-x-2000/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2024].

Wamae, A. (2016). Weaving the Thread: Painting and the Imagination with Adrian Wiszniewski RSA: 9-11 June 2017 – The Essential School Of Painting. [online] The Essential School of Painting London Art School. Available at: https://theessentialschoolofpainting.com/2016/12/15/weaving-the-thread-painting-and-the-imagination-with-adrian-wiszniewski-rsa-9-11-june-2017-2/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2024].

Ref:

Aloi , G. (2020b). Materiality in Art: Media and Surfaces. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrBpvciKlk4&t=639s [Accessed 27 Feb. 2024].

To create my first-thought sculpture prototype I used cardboard from IKEAs furniture.. :P little bit of tape and one mini piece of styrofoam. It looks like a crab claw, and strange forms made of different materials on the back.

Ref:

Cossio, R.D.C. (2022). Sybaris Collection © | The Materiality of Art. [online] Sybaris Collection. Available at: https://www.sybariscollection.com/the-materiality-of-art/#:~:text=The%20materiality%20of%20any%20art.

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Sculptures can either stand independently or be self-supported, allowing viewers to walk around and observe them from all perspectives. They can also be created in relief, where the main form is raised above the surrounding material, similar to an image on a coin. Bas-relief refers to a shallow extension of the image, while high relief involves prominent elements that are undercut and rendered in the round against the background.

ref:

Sculpture and installation art: Introduction to art concepts, SAC, ART100 (2024) CollegeSidekick. Available at: https://www.collegesidekick.com/study-guides/sac-artappreciation/oer-1-25 (Accessed: 22 February 2024).

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Tate (2017). Installation art – Art Term | Tate. [online] Tate. Available at: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/i/installation-art.

(Accessed: 22 February 2024)

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This is the initial concept for my drawing project. I aim to illustrate a terrifying and unsettling figure emerging from either the canvas or a box. My goal is to visually communicate my interpretation of depression, anxiety, and insomnia to the audience. Because the topic in this block is so arbitrary and my insomnia problems are getting worse, overtiredness and lack of sleep encourage dark ideas.

When analyzing a piece of artwork, we examine all its different parts to understand their meanings, how the artists utilized them, and what the artists intended to convey. We also consider how viewers would respond to the artwork. Additionally, we place the artwork within its historical and cultural context to comprehend the ideas and influences that shaped the artist's work.

First, answer these seven questions

1. Formal analysis

• Colour is it bright, dull, primary, pastel, natural, synthetic?

• Form abstract, geometrical, curvilinear, organic, repeated?

• Tone dark, light?

• Size massive, tiny, human?

• Materials what is it made from, and how does this impact the work?

• Shape is it on a canvas, or cut out on the floor?

• Composition: dynamic, straight, narrative?

  
  

2 How is it installed, is it an installation, a video, is it projected, is it curated?

3. Are there any visual clues/symbols or recognisable objects in the work?

4. Can you decipher any meaning? What is it trying to say?

5. What type of work is it is it a painting, mixed media, a sculpture, video, photograph etc.?

6. From looking at the work does it fit into a period of art, or part of a wider group of artists?

7. What other works of art might have influenced the artwork, what does it look similar too?

Use the internet to help answer the following questions

8. What is the context for the work of art: is it inspired by history, politics, changes to art in society, the use of new materials, a development of a new technique of art?

9. Did anyone important write about the work, or did the artist write about the work, find interviews or articles?

10. Was the artwork in any important shows?

11. What period of time and history is the work from?

The Turner Prize is awarded annually to a British visual artist under the age of 50 for an outstanding exhibition or presentation of their work in the preceding year. Dean's nomination in 2016 was for his solo exhibition titled "Sic Glyphs" at South London Gallery. This exhibition featured his distinctive sculptures and installations, which often explore themes of language, communication, and the materiality of words.

Dean's work is known for its raw, industrial aesthetic and its engagement with text and language. He often incorporates text into his sculptures, creating pieces that are both visually striking and intellectually engaging.

While he didn't win the Turner Prize in 2016, being nominated for the award is a significant recognition of an artist's contribution to contemporary art. It brings attention to their work and often leads to increased visibility and opportunities within the art world.

Ref:

Frieze. (2016). 25 Artworks: 2016. [online] Available at: https://www.frieze.com/article/25-artworks-2016.

Tate (2016). Michael Dean | Turner Prize Nominee 2016 | TateShots. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM2GZAHSt8c [Accessed 27 Feb. 2024].

Michael Dean showcased sculptures made from materials like concrete and metal. His pieces often incorporated words and explored themes of language and communication. Visitors to the exhibition encountered his raw and industrial-looking sculptures, each carrying multiple layers of meaning and inviting interpretation.

On the other hand, Helen Marten is renowned for her intricate and detailed assemblages that combine various materials, ranging from found objects to handmade elements. Her artworks often evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, captivating viewers with the intricate worlds she constructs.

Together, Dean and Marten represented the forefront of contemporary art in the Turner Prize exhibition, offering visitors a glimpse into the diverse and thought-provoking practices of these talented artists. The exhibition provided a platform for their artworks to be appreciated by a wide audience, further establishing their positions in the contemporary art scene.

Ref:

Brown, M. and correspondent, M.B.A. (2016). Helen Marten wins Turner prize, securing second big award in a month. The Guardian. [online] 6 Dec. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/dec/05/helen-marten-wins-turner-prize-2016-securing-second-big-award-in-a-month#:~:text=Helen%20Marten%20wins%20Turner%20prize%2C%20securing%20second%20big%20award%20in%20a%20month [Accessed 27 Feb. 2024].

Frieze. (2016). 25 Artworks: 2016. [online] Available at: https://www.frieze.com/article/25-artworks-2016.

How do your inner demons appear?

Ref:

Grundhauser, E. (2017). The Best Demon Illustrations of All Time. [online] Atlas Obscura. Available at: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/demons-illustrations-dictionnaire-infernal.

I want to shed light on the issues of depression, anxiety, and insomnia through my work. In today's fast-paced world, mental health is often overlooked. Many individuals silently battle these conditions without seeking assistance. My project aims to illustrate the isolation and struggles of those suffering, especially during sleepless nights filled with overthinking and physical discomfort. I plan to use inner demons as a symbol of the overwhelming feelings of anxiety and depression that can consume a person.

I decided to merge my sculpture and drawing projects together, focusing on a common theme. I used mostly the same materials for both projects. The main reason behind this decision was my limited time as a busy working individual. Overall, I believe it was a wise choice as the final outcome turned out to be quite satisfying.

I decided to watch some tutorials on how to adjust the settings on my Nikon f65 camera to achieve this effect. I know I'll have to experiment with long exposures and shutter speed settings, but I'm worried it might be challenging. The downside of analog cameras is that you can't see the photo right after taking it, so I'll have to wait until I develop the film in the darkroom to see the results.

Biderman, G. (2019). Photographing Phantoms: How to Capture Ghosts and Spirits in Night Images. [online] National Parks at Night. Available at: https://www.nationalparksatnight.com/blog/2019/10/31/photographing-phantoms-how-to-capture-ghosts-and-spirits-in-night-images [Accessed 30 May 2024].

Despite skepticism and accusations of fraud, Mumler insisted his photos were genuine spirit manifestations. In 1869, he faced trial for fraud but was acquitted due to lack of evidence, damaging his reputation.

Nevertheless, William Mumler's legacy lives on as a blend of photography, spirituality, and the human desire to connect with the unknown. His work continues to intrigue and spark discussions among historians, artists, and those seeking spiritual connections.

Ref:

Kaplan, L 2008, The Strange Case of William Mumler, Spirit Photographer, University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis. Available from: ProQuest Ebook Central. [8 May 2024].

And here is my final video titled "Leicester Ghosts". Unfortunately, the quality is not very good because I had to shrink the file to fit on the padlet. Like everything else in this block, I decided to devote my research to ghosts, spirituality, beliefs in life after death, unexplained phenomena and apparitions.